Our current poll is still running. This time the question asks: Which newsletters do you read? Please stop by the Suggestion Thread and vote.

The newsletter needs new staff. If interested in a position below, please PM Gozar.

News Hound -Have a nose for news? Enjoy writing? The News Hound covers topics relevant to CC, with a focus on tournaments. If you think this is something you would like to give your time towards, please PM Gozar.

Ahoy Conquer Club maniacs For all you who don`t like the Uber Geek an API (application programming interface)is a something that programmers can use to build a program or website that interacts with Conquer Club automatically. Hopefully this will lead to cooler tools for tournament organizers and everyday members like you. Here is the API http://www.conquerclub.com/api.php.

Ask the Nutts. . .a Q&A column (a cross between Dear Abby and Cliff Claven)(an explanation of what it is all about)Members, especially new members are encouraged to send in questions to "The Nutts". The three Nutts brothers will do their best to answer the questions.

A: R. Nutt, PhD: We don’t run tournaments, but would combine the two – round robin mini-league then seed for brackets.

H. Nutts, MBA: Brackets – like the NCAA basketball tournament. One and out would be OK if multiple players but first is HUGE advantage in 1v1.

A. Nutts, BS: OTHER! Make a super bracket where the top ranked player (adjusted for avg opponent strength) has to beat #2, winner plays #3, winner plays #4. ..etc. Make higher rated players WORK for the wins.

* * *

Q: "Which do you think is more fair, sequential or freestyle?” - dittoeevee8888

A: R. Nutt, PhD: Freestyle. Going first is a HUGE advantage in Sequential, particularly on 1v1 and large maps. People get to attack and defend first – often getting a bonus.

H. Nutts, MBA: It depends on the settings, etc. but the more people that are playing sequential seems to have less complication to it - -and with Escalating spoils that can make up for it. The problem with Freestyle is players that delay too much.

A. Nutts, BS: Fair, shmair. You don’t have sequential wrestling or real wars do you? Freestyle baby, like wrestling, swimming and real life. There are ways of dealing with delayers in Freestyle.

This week we had the opportunity to interview owenator. All questions are submitted by readers of the newsletter. Next week, we check in with one of the Tournament Directors, Gilligan, to find out about himself, and where tournaments are headed.You can submit your questions in this thread.

Now, on with the interview!

Q: Hello, owenator.

A: Hi!

Q:What makes you interview worthy?

A: I'd like to think I'm generally well liked! But, as a player and occasional browser of the forums, I usually am very straight-forward and speak what's generally on my mind. I think my competitive nature makes me a skilled player, but I think that those who've played with or against me will agree that I'm very honourable and play with dignity, and integrity.

Q:How did you find this website?

A: A friend of a friend!

Q: Why did you join CC?

A: In all honesty, I had a job that didn't keep me busy and to pass the time, I would play CC! ha ha ha! Also, I enjoy games that involve challenges and strategy.

Q:Whats your motivation (or why do you like) to play on CC?

A: Nowadays, I enjoy the competition and enjoy meeting new people from all over the world.

Q:Why did you start to play tournaments?

A: I found myself playing Feudal map too exclusively, and needed to 'broaden' my horizons and become a more rounded player. In addition, it was nice to be able to pick up some medals along the way and possibly get the chance to have bragging rights!

Q:What made you want to start running tournaments?

A: The primary reason was to take on a new challenge as I really wanted to get away from playing games and try something different. I also found that it provided more of an outlet to get to know some more interesting people. The tournament medal/award, also looked quite tempting!

Q: How long have you been organizing tournaments?

A: I haven't. I'm still in the process of trying to run my first one and it's a lot of work.

Q: Describe the experience of your first tournament ran, and first played in.

A: Again, I haven't run a tournament yet. Hmmm....I was about to say the Majors+ Doubles Winter League, but that really isn't a tournament. If it isn't considered one, then I believe the first tournament that I participated in was the Feudal War Man.

Q:Tell us about your overall tournament experience from when you first joined a tournament to the present day. How has it changed for you? Is it a better experience than before? Worse?

A: Having joined a tournament has allowed me to become more of a skilled player because you have the opportunity of challenging players seeking the same goal. As I've mentioned before, it also provides me with the ability to become a more rounded player.

Q: What is your favorite tournament you’ve played in? Why?

A: Again, if the Majors + League counts as a tournament, I'd have to say this would be my favorite. And the reason why, is that it's a very competitive field. It's definitely well organized and I enjoy being able to play so many different maps and gaining experience along the way - win or lose. My second choice would have to be the Feudal Double's tournament that's organized by Lindax and Daviedoo for the exact same reasons.

Q:Do you prefer to run or enter tournaments?

A: Good question. Currently, I'd have to say that I would prefer to run a tournament and only because I haven't done so before.

Q:Are you selective about which types of tournaments you join or do you join just about everything you can fit into your personal game load? If you are selective, do you look for certain styles or organizers?

A: I look to enter tournaments that I know for the most part are run by competent organizers. I also look to play in tourney's that have maps that are both challenging and fun to play. Lastly, if I have played with/against a player that I know is organizing a tournament, then I will definitely show support by joining and even possibly assist by recruiting others.

Q:What would be your dream tournament if someone were to offer to run it for you so that you just had to show up and play? Or, have you already participated in your dream tournament?

A: Hands down it would have to be Feudal War map.

Q: Overall, are you playing a lot in tournaments? If not, then why and where do you find your games to play?

A: Yes.

Q: How excited where you with your first CC win?

A: It was pretty fun. I believe that must people would enjoy winning otherwise they wouldn't have joined this site in the first place.

Q:If you had to win one tournament that you are currently a part of which would it be and why?

A: Probably the Majors Doubles tournament, only because the fact that it's such a heavy load of games, and there are quite a lot of teams that join. The ability to boast that you've topped quite a lot of players, is absolutely thrilling certainly something to gloat about.

Q: What is your most disappointing tournament loss to date?

A: I believe it was Lindax and Daviedoo's doubles tournament! Only because my partner and I were knocked out in the first round!

Q: In your mind, what makes a successful tournament?

A: Sticking to the plan. A good organizer is excellent at detail, execution, and intelligent.

Q: What do you consider to be the most successful tournaments you've seen run?

A: Again, it has to be the Majors+ Doubles Tournament (Winter and Summer).

Q: What makes a successful organizer?

A: Being well-organized. I think being well-liked is also a key factor. People would want to join without having to be solicited.

Q: If you could change one thing about Conquer Club in general, what would it be?

A: Having busted multi's not being able to finish a game.

Q:How much time does CC take from your day?

A: Quite a lot these days! I had to recently account sit for 2 people, and having said that, probably 7-8 hours/day was spent on CC.

A: owenator. ha! Not to sure exactly if the question meant to reveal my 'true' identity. But, I'm just another competitive player on this site!

Q:What's the story behind your username, and that weird ass frog thing that is your avatar?

A: The name comprises my real name. Much like the Terminator (movie fame), I don't stop until my mission has been completed. I out drank a 300 lb linebacker from an amateur team. The name stuck ever since!

Q:Where are you from?

A: Toronto, Canada

Q:Do you value your medals more than your blood?

A: Sometimes!

Q:Age? Gender?

A: Old enough. Male.

Q:Best sport of them all?

A: MMA (i.e. Ultimate Fighter)

Q:Recently, journalism is turning from traditional methods, to completely technological and online based. What is your opinion on the matter?

A: Saves paper. Saves time. I believe that having the ability to read the news online is absolutely convenient and a great idea.

Q:Do you enjoy RTS's, FPS's, and TBS's the most? (Real-time strategy's, First Person Shooters, or Turn Based System)

A: I'd probably have to say FPS's

Q:Favourite and least favourite map?

A: Feudal. 2.1 World

Q:Favourite settings?

A: Escalating, Unlimited, Foggy

Q:Freestyle or sequential?

A: sequential

Q:How does it feel to be interviewed?

A: An honour. I think that it's great to see that people are getting the opportunity to know another player. It's rather interesting!

Q: Thank you for your time.

A: You are most welcome.

Interview With Gilligan

Notes

If you want your tournament included in a future issue, please PM Gozar using this form: